Stourport Swifts 0 Stourbridge 0

SWIFTS produced a splendid performance to hold last season's Southern League Premier runners-up Stourbridge to a goalless contest at Walshes Meadow.

Both sides created plenty of chances - but neither could convert one of them. Swifts had the chance to make a flying start when Ollie Long was put in the clear after eight minutes -but fired straight at Glassboys goalkeeper Dean Coleman.

Stourbridge striker Mark Benbow went close twice in the space of as many minutes. He took on two Swifts defenders before rifling wide on 16 minutes.

Two minutes later Swifts defender Jamie Willetts was robbed of possession in front of goal as Sean Geddes laid on a glorious chance for Benbow - but he could only smash the ball against the advertising hoarding.

Kyann Evans blasted a good chance wide for Swifts, while Stourbridge saw trialist De Reece Gardner and then new signing from Redditch Will Richards both rifle wide.

Swifts should have taken the lead right on the stroke of half time.

Ollie Long's free kick picked out the unmarked Gary Walker at the far post - but he shot tamely at Coleman when he should have scored Swifts had a real let off early in the second half when Gardner looked to have scored.

Second half replacement Andre Francis whipped in a right wing cross after 50 minutes which Gardner smacked against the underside of the crossbar with a first time shot that rebounded directly downwards before being hoofed clear.

Gardner appealed for the goal, but referee Jones ruled it out. Swifts had another stroke of good fortune when a Mark Benbow shot deflected off Whitcombe and finished up on the roof of the net.

Although Stourbridge looked the more likely side to break the deadlock, it was Swifts who squandered the best chance, substitute Neil Harris fluffing a fabulous opportunity at the far post following a cross from fellow sub Chris Seekings.

Star of the show for Swifts was the central defensive display from Jamie Willetts. Even a gashed head failed to take the shine off his performance and boss Rod Brown insisted: "He was excellent. He's really come on and helped make us very difficult to beat! Swifts: Whitcombe; Muddyman, Preston, Willetts Blake , Walker, Dinsley, Evans, Griffin, Long, Kincadore. subs: Shutz, morrison, Jones, Lavery, Harris, Hyde, Seekings Hurrell. Stourbridge:Coleman; Lloyd, Oliver, Eze, Geddes, Bennett, Deards, Richards, Benbow, Gardner, Fitzpatrick. Second half subs: Canavan, Francis, Nisbett, Osbourne, Dyson, Spray. Ref: Mr M Jones